act i: The reality tv experience
I could drag this out and start at “Jerry Springer” or “The Real World”, but we’ll start at the one that’s most relevant to this particular reality, “Flavor of Love”. “Flavor of Love”, which first aired in April of 2006, is often recognized as one of the most influential shows of this generation. At the time “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” dominated the market as far as dating shows went, but “Flavor of Love” was the first black dating show. Although every woman I’ve ever met in life seems to be repulsed at the sight of Flava Flav, we all know what money do. But not just money anymore, clout.
Tiffany Pollard, better known as New York, pioneered a whole generation of reality stars by being a character and committing to it. She proved that if your character is entertaining enough and maintains of level of authenticity, you’ll always have a job in the reality TV space. The premise of “Flavor of Love”, “I Love New York”, and every show that followed was simple, get chose. Some people stood firm on their morals, some didn’t. Some wanted love, some wanted fame. Either way history was made, we were entertained, and the whole reality TV structure was revolutionized.
Another addition to an already hectic year came in December with a show titled “Bad Girls Club”. This show definitely rivals “Flavor of Love” in influence, but it was different in the sense that it had no real goal or objective. A new wave of television was unlocked. Less competition, more chaos. The premise of “Bad Girls Club” was one big house, 10 troubled women, and alcohol. It was a shit show. An entertaining one. These women argued, threw drinks, and beat each other half to death. Most times there was no resolve or progress made. Only more characters.
Natalie Nunn is a notable character among many. Natalie didn’t reinvent the wheel when it came to reality TV stars at the time. She just added a layer. Debuting on “Bad Girls Club” in season 4, she stood out for being unapologetically delusional. Her braggadocios demeanor caused a lot of self inflicted wounds. Wounds she patched up and used as motivation to continue being herself. This version of herself is what made Natalie a polarizing character in the reality TV world. You need people like her, so you can point the finger and say “that’s the bad guy”. Natalie encompassed the essence of what it meant to be a true bad girl.
No matter what you say about the “Bad Girls Club” saga, you have to acknowledge its cultural relevance in the reality TV world. This show serves as the blueprint to a whole generation of content. Content so powerful, it spills into reality.
act ii: experiencing reality
“The good”
On social media you have a group of people who despise Zeus network and anything remotely close to its likeness. They argue that these shows are detrimental to the black community because they lack substance and show us in a negative, uncivilized light. I get it because people are very impressionable and easily influenced by what they see, but I don’t think anyone should be looking to Zeus or any other television network to restore order in the community. You can enjoy trash television and still live a productive, unproblematic life.
The good that comes from these reality shows is opportunity. We all know in this life opportunities are few and far between. Even more so in the television industry. Someone can come on one of these shows and be catapulted into superstardom. Not only stardom, but more importantly it gives people a way to support their family. People are given a platform to promote their brand and network on a major outlet. What would you do with that type of free promotion?
“the Bad”
Although I enjoy a lot of these shows, I don’t think I could ever audition to be on one. Not that I lack confidence in myself or I doubt my charisma would shine through and win the hearts of viewers across America, I just think 90% of reality TV show characters aren’t portrayed in the best light. Unless you’re the Natalie’s, the Joseline’s, or the Nene Leakes’ of the world then it’s very easy to be overlooked, under booked, and forgotten in this ever changing reality TV culture. No one wants to go from being on TV back to regular life.
Going on reality shows you risk your safety on set, livelihood back home, and your overall reputation. There are more unsuccessful reality stars than successful ones. A lot of people get caught in the loop of chasing reality show clout that they lose their perception of actual reality. Are you willing to lose your morals for a lifestyle that’s not guaranteed?
“The ugly”
Up to this point everything we’ve discussed has been pretty surface level, but the “Get Out” picture should have foreshadowed what was to come. Psychological warfare. I often times downplay the affects of reality TV consumption, but even I can’t ignore what’s obvious. Shows on these type of networks definitely move into your subconscious and gentrify your thoughts.
In my opinion, “Flavor of Love” contributed to the hyper sexuality of women because promiscuity was being rewarded. Sex sells and shows like this reaffirmed it. A whole generation of girls grew up thinking the key to a man’s heart was sex. Dating show logic has subconsciously changed the landscape of relationship norms. How many times have you heard someone say they want their own dating show? People want the freedom to explore their options while being courted. This isn’t a problem in theory, but people want to be the main character and reap all the benefits without giving anything in return.
“Bad Girls Club” contributed to peoples need for confrontation. Confrontation is in fact inevitable, but confrontation without communication is just chaos. I think this show specifically birthed a culture of hyper aggressiveness. I’m all for duking it out and getting your feet dusty, but it also has to be communication. Communication doesn’t always have to lead to resolve, but mutual understanding is needed. The problem with this show and the shows that use the same formula is the characters are more concerned with gaining a viral moment from fighting than actually having a valid reason to fight. This spills over into our everyday reality because there’s a ton of people out there starting unprovoked internet beef in hopes of capitalizing off a viral moment.
Reality TV culture continues to influence society, mainly giving people a false sense of importance. Characters are more accessible, making viewers feel like that lifestyle is more obtainable. So for the foreseeable future we’ll continue seeing pointless arguments, rants, and fights that lead to absolutely nothing but a viral moment.
act iii: pov.. you’re at a zeus taping
Bad vs. wild ’23
This is a true account of my experience as a general admission event goer. Show took place in Las Vegas, NV in December of 2023. I will leave out specifics on the actual show as to not breach Zeus networks contract. My night was as follows:
Just to preface what’s ahead, this was not my first Zeus taping. This particular night was actually my fourth. I’ve never witnessed any major violence but for someone like me the anticipation of it being a possibility is always enticing. Part of me feels like I attend these tapings to hold on to the last years of my youth. The other part of me can confirm that Unk be tired. Aside from the bullshit, these tapings are definitely a great place to network. I know in the disclaimer I stated “general admission”, best rest assured the tickets were 100% free.
13:30:
So anytime Zeus has a taping they’ll post a link on their instagram the day of, allowing people to RSVP for themself and up to 3 guests. They’ll usually tape consecutive nights in a row. This night was titled Bad vs. Wild: Team Natalie vs. Team Joseline. Folks know how I feel about Joseline, I’m a cabaret regular so of course I was pulling up. Did my RSVP, got my lil confirmation email, and put the plans in my palm pilot.
18:00-19:50:
Pulling up to venue, the building was dead center in a parking lot that looked to be occupied by multiple warehouses. Security was out front, stopping every car trying to enter the parking lot. They asked if you were part of production or general admission. General admission is given an address to a parking lot 5 mins away where a shuttle brings you back and forth. I don’t know about y’all, but I don’t trust Zeus enough to ride their shuttle. Definitely found a park a block away. So walking up to the line, if I had to eyeball I’d say it was about 50-60 people already waiting.
The vibes in the line was regular. Interesting characters fasho, but nothing to be alarmed about. Although, there was one nigga walking up and down the line with a bottle yelling “If you a bad bitch take a shot”. Disgusting. But honestly I’m glad he was doing that so I could see who the dumbasses were in the bunch. Taking shots with random strangers from a bottle you didn’t see get opened is crazy.
Towards the front of the line there’s a table with 4 Zeus employees. 1 gives you the contract to sign. Basically allowing them to use your image on TV and declaring that you won’t leak any spoilers from the show. 2 takes your picture with the contract and your ID. 3 checks your ID, your RSVP, and logs you into the system via laptop. 4 gives you a wristband for entry and an additional wristband if you’re 21+. 4 also gives you three free drink tickets for when you get inside. Security checks you and any bags you may have and lets you in.
Look, you’ve made it inside.
20:00-22:50:
Walking inside is interesting. As soon as you get through the doors, at your feet is a red carpet. Behind you is the Zeus backdrop. This was the waiting area before the show. A pretty open space, not too crowded but kinda. In total, I counted 7 couches that could comfortably hold about 4 people each so there was definitely more people standing. They had a dj booth, an open bar, and a complimentary snack table.
The dj was whatever, I’m not a fan of the bullshit club mixes but I’m also not a dj so my opinion doesn’t matter. The bar consisted of 2 drinks, Bad or Wild, which was redeemable with the tickets you received out front. Bad was a casamigo/ginger beer mix and Wild was a greygoose/bullshit mix cause who the fuck is drinking greygoose? The snack table had the regular snacks you see at a black bbq. Chips, rice krispy treats, and dirty ass arrowhead water. Don’t take my distaste for ungratefulness because you can’t complain about nothing free. But no I did not drink the arrowhead water. What I did drink was 3 Bad’s.
So in the waiting area the nigga Spanky from “Wild N Out” gets on the mic and begins to curate a few games while we wait. There was a catwalk, dance competition, and a freestyle battle. 0/3, everybody who participated should of just stayed seated. But its Zeus, so everybody was tryna get discovered. That’s honestly the only buzz about going to shit like this, everybody be on TV time looking a fool.
After Zeus got talent came to an end, everybody started to migrate toward the line that was forming to get into the actual show. At this point two hours had already passed and folks was getting restless. When the great line migration occurred that’s when chaos ensued. The line turned into a mosh pit filled with with drunk, anxious Zeus subscribers. There was arguments. There was pushing matches. Even a drink was thrown. Everything was on brand for this type of event. But I was unimpressed and tired.
Security tried their best to gain control and restore the line but it was to no avail. For about 10 mins there was no progress. I’m talking bout I’m chest to chest with a stud. We both looking crazy. So at that 11th minute of no progress, the line starts to get lighter. People begin to disperse. Somebody gets on the mic and says there’s free pizza. I stay in line and watch the hungry Zeus subscribers tear a hole through that poor pizza. No plates, no napkins, just raw dogging the pizza bare hands.
The people in line start to trickle in, we’re given a pouch to lock our phone in, and security checks everyone one last time. Congratulations, you’ve made it inside…again.
23:00-00:30:
Since I was towards the front of the line, the group I came in with was directed to go to the floor right in front of the stage. I played myself because I thought being in the front of the line would guarantee me a seat. Unk can’t do the pit. So I’m in the pit uncomfortable as hell cause we all shoulder to shoulder.
In the midst of that this random nigga stops right in front of me and says “Bro I know you feel out of place, its hella different type of mfs in here”. I guess maybe I looked the most normal in a sea full of interesting characters. Studs wearing make-up, 6ft niggas wearing wigs, all type of shit. I knew what he was tryna imply, but me personally I’m not scared of lions, tigers, and bears.
Before the show started they prepped everyone for when the cameras came on. The bottle girls brought out shots every 10 mins. Joseline came out before the cameras started rolling on some 50 cent shit, checking everybody temperature. An hour later, the show began.
Nick Cannon hosted. I seen Natalie’s chin in person, Rollie’s BBL, and all the bullshit that followed. I’d say my experience was a 7/10. I’m too old for this shit I fear, I’d rather see it on TV than to see it in person. Long story short, Unk left early and took his ass too sleep. Shoutout to Zeus though, they actually employ a lot of people majority of them being black.
To be honest, the world is a crazy place. Everyone is trying to navigate best they can while trying to maintain whatever piece of sanity they have left. Reality shows serve different purposes for different people. For some its purely entertainment, for others it’s an escape from their actual reality. Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t care we’re all experiencing reality together in all its different forms.